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From the early days of trail rides to modern day cattle operations, the cutting horse has remained a ranching tradition. The Non-Pro Cutting Horse Event, being held at the Jim Norick Arena at State Fair Park, June 11 thru 18, will give spectators a chance to witness an essential piece of our American culture. This championship show is a premier event in the horse industry, drawing international media attention, and best of all; it is FREE and open to the public.

For those interested in an eclectic shopping experience, the Junk Hippy Roadshow will be held in the Cox Pavilion from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 15.  The traveling show features a collection of handmade, vintage, retro and antique treasures for visitors to enjoy.  Admission is $5.00 per person and tickets can be purchased at the door. Children 13 & under are free!

On Saturday and Sunday, hundreds of vendors will display their products and services during the R.K. Gun Show. The ultimate sportsman one-stop-shop will be held in the Travel & Transportation Building. Admission: Adults: $12.00, Kids: $3.00, Kids 5 & Under: Free.

The OQHA Redbud Spectacular Horse Show has had a rough week.  Following the storms on Friday night, State Fair Park officials made the call to shut down our facility and cancel all events. OG&E and their valued associates worked diligently to get State Fair Park back online as quickly as possible and we are pleased to report that because of everyone’s hard work and dedication, State Fair Park is once again open for business.

Arrangements have been worked out with Redbud Show Management and the reining portion of the event will take place on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at State Fair Park. The show is one of the top rated circuits in the nation, and we are thrilled that we will be able to invite the riders and horses back to Oklahoma City.  We extend our thanks to the OQHA, the AQHA, and all of the equine community for their patience and understanding – the safety of show participants is always our top priority.

The State Fair Creative Program Department is offering a day of courses that will introduce Fairgoers to Creative Arts and teach them the skills needed to participate in many of the competitive areas. “Take pART in the Fair” will be held on Saturday, June 8 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Hobbies, Arts, and Crafts Building at State Fair Park.  Participation is FREE but space is limited and pre-registration is required.  For registration and complete information click here or call the Creative Programs department at 405.948.6731.

Buchanan’s Vintage Flea Market is back this weekend in the Modern Living Building. This eclectic show offers a wide array of quality antiques and collectibles for both the serious collector and casual decorator. Look no further for treasures and hard-to-find items including china, artwork, and even clothing! Tickets are $5.00 for adults. Children 12 and under are free.

The Motorcycle Swap Meet returns to State Fair Park on Sunday, June 9. The swap meet will be held in the Centennial Building, and admission costs only $6.00 per person.  Come browse the wide variety of motorcycle parts and apparel that will be on display at this event from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (rain or shine)!

This year’s theme is part of an initiative brought to us through the International Association of Fairs and Expos (IAFE).  IAFE has challenged agricultural Fairs, exhibitions, and show associations throughout North America to “Dream Big.”

We are accepting IAFE’s challenge and our goal is to get more Oklahomans to “Dream Big” about the State Fair – not only during the 11-day extravaganza, but also throughout the months leading up to the biggest annual event in Oklahoma.

• 4-H and FFA students who will be entering the livestock competitions in September are already caring for their animals and dreaming big about winning a Grand Champion Award.
• Quilters and crafters are working on their entries now because they are dreaming big about winning a Best of Show Rosette.
• We’ve been working with concessionaires on their Fair Food menus over the last few weeks and many will be debuting brand new foods this year. Those vendors are dreaming big about winning the Great Taste of a Fair Contest.

Take pART in the Fair!

If you’ve never been involved in the Fair before by volunteering or entering a contest but you’ve always wanted to, “Dream Big” and take advantage of a brand new opportunity.  On June 8, we will be offering the public a chance to learn the skills needed to enter many of the competitions available to in the Creative Arts Program.  The classes are FREE, but space is limited and registration is required.  For more information, click here.

No matter how you decide to “Dream Big” you’d better start making plans now – Opening Day is less than 4 months away!  We will continue to give Fair Fans ideas on how they can “Dream Big” as we get closer to the 2013 Oklahoma State Fair.

The Christian Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses will be in the Jim Norick Arena at State Fair Park May 17 thru 19. The Convention will start at 8:00 a.m. daily and admission is FREE to the public.

The Centennial Building will be fired up on Saturday, May 18 for the return of the OK Victory Dolls Roller Derby. The 2013 season continues with a double-header starting at 6:00 p.m. (doors open at 5:00 p.m.). Admission is $10 in advance and $15 at the door (kids 12 and under free).

Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the OKC Gun Show at the Cox Pavilion on Saturday, May 18 and Sunday, May 19. Vendors will be on hand to buy, sell and trade guns, knives, ammo, hunting supplies and other outdoor merchandise. Admission is $12 for adults and kids 12 and under are FREE.

Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, you’ve probably heard that the coolest 5K on the planet will be invading State Fair Park with color on Saturday.  If you aren’t registered for Color Me Rad, you’d better act fast because the race will most likely be SOLD OUT by the time the first wave of runners take off on Saturday morning.

If you are registered and ready to get RAD, here’s some important info to know:

Packet Pickup:

Red Coyote Running & Fitness on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10 AM to 7 PM.

Race Day Schedule:

Morning Session – Begins at 9 AM sharp and continues in 20 minute intervals.  Last morning wave begins at 10:20 AM.

Afternoon Session – Begins at 1 PM sharp and continues in 20 minute intervals. Last wave of the day begins at 2:40 PM.

Please stick to your registered wave time! Check your registration confirmation for your specific time.

Arrival:

Plan to arrive 45 minutes to an hour BEFORE your wave is scheduled to begin. If there is an emergency and you miss your wave, don’t sweat it – just join in on the next one.  You can jump into wave scheduled after your start time, but you can’t be a ‘sooner’ and start early.  Got it? Last wave starts at 2:40 PM.

Parking:

Enter State Fair Park through Gate 5 (off of May Ave and south of 10^th Street) or through Gate 6 (off of Reno). This event is gonna be huge, so there will be a small army directing people and vehicles to the course once you have arrived and where to go when the race is over.  Please follow instructions – the goal is to make your race day fun, safe, and speedy.

The Oklahoma Paint Horse Club’s “World Warm Up Circuit” runs May 11 and 12 in Barns 7 & 8.  This show brings in hundreds of some of the most beautiful and distinctive horses to Oklahoma City.  Admission is free.

Super Dave’s Gun Show will wrap up the weekend’s events in the Oklahoma Expo Hall on Saturday and Sunday.  This show will have 500+ tables overflowing with high-quality prepper gear, custom knives, MREs, rifles, pistols, shotguns, ammo, and all types of hunting and outdoor equipment. Admission is $10 at the door.